Police arrest shrine chief priest and three others over murder of three Cameroonian women in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested additional four suspects over the m8rder of three Cameroonian women. 

The spokesperson of the command, Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, February 16, 2025 said the latest arrest followed the confession of two suspects earlier arrested in connection with the crime. 

LIB reported that the victims, Bognou Alice, her niece, Sandra and one other woman, were kidnapped on November 10, 2025 while on a business trip. 

The abductors k!lled them after collecting ransom from their families. 

Bodies of Alice and Sandra were recovered from Omambala River in Anambra West following an intensive search. 

Ikenga identified the four suspects as Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, popularly known as “Ugoebenajah,” who is alleged to be the Chief Priest of a shrine; Nwabunne Bright, Chinecherem Chiama, and Michael Ekwunife. 

According to the PPRO, the operation, which took place on February 13, 2026 in Nando community, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state, led to the recovery of weapons and assorted criminal charms.

“The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects in connection with the m8rder of three Cameroonian nationals in the State” the statement read.

“The suspects, all males, include the alleged Chief Priest of a shrine, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, also known as “Ugoebenajah,” aged 27 years, alongside Nwabunne Bright (27 years), Chinecherem Chiama (21 years) and Michael Ekwunife (38 years) respectively. 

“The team also recovered two pump-action guns, one locally made Beretta pistol, one machete, assorted charms, expanded ammunition, ten live cartridges and five live 9mm ammunition in Nando community, Anambra East Local Government Area.

“This feat was recorded on 13th February 2026. Given the confession of the two earlier arrested suspects in custody, the Command Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu swiftly mobilised to the identified shrine in Nando.

“On approaching the shrine, about thirty able-bodied men were observed gathered at the premises. 

“Upon sighting the Police, the armed men opened fire on the operatives. 

“The Police operatives responded professionally, engaging the armed men in a gun duel. While the prime suspect, Uchenna Mmaduamaka Nicholas, a native of Oroma Etiti Anam escaped alongside other gang members with bullet wounds.  

“Also during the gun battle, one of the arrested armed suspects sustained a bullet injury on the thigh and was immediately taken to a hospital where he is currently receiving medical treatment.

“The arrested suspects are currently undergoing interrogation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang.

“The Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and urges members of the public to continue to provide useful information that will aid ongoing investigations.

“Further developments will be communicated in due course.”